By Tracy Horvath
Sustainability Studies student
“Our wildlife is commercially valuable.”
With a statement like this I’m not sure if the great whales will ever recover. The world was assured during the years of large-scale whaling that the hunting was based on a sustained yield basis. In 1970, the depletion was so astronomical that eight species were forced to be added to the endangered species list which included the blue, the humpback, the right, the sei, the fin, the sperm, the bowhead and the gray.
Of the list, the gray whales were the only species to make a comeback. The seven remaining may never recover to large numbers but may disappear! Whales are the largest animals ever to live and reside in the oceans and coastal areas. A worldwide ban set-up in 1986 is supposed to prevent whaling, but Save the Whales, a non-profit organization founded in 1977, doesn’t believe it.
Capturing, killing, and litter continue to threaten these animals and the foundation believes education is important in maintaining their existence. The blue whale population at one point numbered 600,000 but has been depleted 97% leaving 600 to 3000 in our oceans. This number is astounding and gives me a stomach ache thinking of the mass destruction caused by humans. Humans should enjoy the whales while they can as they may no longer exist.
Whales are actually worth more alive than dead. $317 million dollars was spent on whale watching in 1992. This option is a better scenario for the whales and humans as one gets to live while the other receives a gift. A gift of seeing the largest animal on the planet in its natural habitat is worth the price of admission. Most coastal areas offer tours, as tourism creates income for countries that offer whale watching excursions. Without these animals the loss will have not only an economic impact, but also an ecosystem impact.
Humans tend to believe we are superior among other things but don’t realize that because of our mindset we forget we belong to an environment in which everyone has an opportunity to participate in the balance our environment. Call or write your senators and congressman about this very important cause. Whale watching is fun and educational and also might prompt you to join the campaign.
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